Some residents are questioning whether the easing for NT border restrictions may encourage grey nomads to put Katherine back on their bucket list this dry season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NT yesterday announced the easing of border restrictions from June 15 which very clearly had returning Territorians in mind, so they could quarantine at home.
It seems unlikely nomads would choose 14 days of quarantine ahead of waiting for the border road blocks to be removed completely.
New arrivals no longer have to fork out $2500 to stay at designated hotel accommodation for 14 days but can now self quarantine.
According to some travel websites, tourists are now poring over the changed restrictions to see whether they can squeeze through the road blocks.
The official NT Government advice on its coronavirus warning website still says - "Caravan and motor-home holidaymakers are strongly urged to cancel their holiday plans to the Northern Territory."
From June 15, the Territory will transition from mandatory, monitored quarantine to mandatory, self-quarantine.
Biosecurity zone restrictions are being lifted on June 5.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner yesterday made it clear the "hard border" closures would stay, and refused to give an approximate time of when they would be lifted.
He said the government would be watching how people dealt with the relaxed border restrictions before any further decisions were made.
"Arrivals from interstate will be able to choose their own quarantine arrangements - as long as it is appropriate, within the guidelines directed by the Chief Health Officer," the new guideline says.
"As long as it is appropriate" is not self quarantining in a caravan it is "in private accommodation, or in appropriate commercial accommodation, at their own cost".
But self contained cabins in caravan parks may be deemed appropriate.
"This decision applies to all domestic interstate arrivals, but it has been made for Territorians - to help Territorians return home," Mr Gunner said.
This new arrangement also include mandatory coronavirus testing regime for all arrivals going into, and leaving, quarantine.
Mr Gunner said once the June 15 change is in place, the government will consider the full removal of border road blocks each week.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.